Riots could disrupt city services
The escalating violent protests over the ousting of Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa could see the halting of municipal services in the metro.
Law enforcement agencies in Tshwane will deal decisively with the current vandalism and criminality in certain parts of the city.
They would seek to keep services going despite ongoing protest action, said metro spokesman Selby Bokaba.
He said the metro needed to warn citizens of possible disruption of services due to the protest action plaguing certain areas of the city.
Widespread rioting erupted in the city following the announcement by the ANC on Monday that incumbent executive mayor Kgosientso Romokgopa will be replaced by former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza for the 3 August municipal elections.
Violence has been escalating steadily since Monday and all police members in the city
had been called up for duty.
“Some of our staff members have reportedly been intimidated, attacked and some prevented from going to work,” Bokaba said.
“We are exploring various options of stabilising the situation and of safeguarding our
staff to enable them to render services unhindered.”
Bokaba said law enforcement agencies had assured the metro of their commitment to protect staff and municipal assets in the face of intimidation and threats.
“They also undertook to deal decisively and firmly with vandalism, thuggery, hooliganism and criminality that have characterised certain parts of the city in the past few days.
He said the metro apologised for the inconvenience caused and undertook to restore normal services as speedily as possible.
Also read:
VIDEO: Residents hide as protesters fire shots in street
Residents want Ramokgopa to remain as mayor
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